Excerpts: Senator Says Non-Proliferation Key to Stopping Terrorism

(Kyl criticizes Chinese proliferation of weapons technology) (1090)



The Beijing regime should support the United States in its struggle
against international terrorism by curtailing proliferation of
technology for missiles and weapons of mass destruction, according to
Senator Jon Kyl (Republican of Arizona).


Kyl, the ranking minority member on the Senate Judiciary subcommittee
on Technology, Terrorism and Government Information, spoke out on
China's role in the fight against terrorism in an October 25 speech to
the Senate.


Kyl, who also sits on the Senate Select Intelligence Committee, said
he hoped that Beijing "will ultimately choose to offer support in our
war effort."


But as the United States seeks China's assistance, he cautioned, it
should not lose sight of "the myriad concerns that remain regarding
the communist regime's failure to abide by internationally recognized
norms of behavior -- including Beijing's proliferation of technology
used to make ballistic missiles and weapons of mass destruction, and
military buildup aimed at ... Taiwan."


Beijing's continuing sale of arms "and other assistance to many of the
countries on the State Department's list of state sponsors of
terrorism is of particular concern," Kyl told fellow senators.


"The past month has seen longtime foes, at least for now, espouse a
common goal in America's efforts against terrorism," Kyl said.


"Scores of nations have taken the side of America in a battle to
eradicate terrorists of global reach -- but the most populous nation
on the globe must truly back its words with actions," he said.


"Until it does so, Beijing should not be rewarded by any relaxation of
U.S. restrictions aimed at curbing the communist regime's unacceptable
behavior," Kyl said.


Following are excerpts from Kyl's remarks from the Congressional
Record:


(begin excerpts)



U.S.-CHINA COOPERATION IN THE WAR ON TERRORISM



Senate

October 25, 2001



Mr. KYL. Mr. President, following the terrorist attacks in New York
and Washington, Chinese officials pledged to join the global effort
against terrorism.


But comments made by Chinese officials following the attacks indicate
that they may try to exact policy concessions from the United States
in exchange for support for anti-terrorism efforts.


For example, according to a Reuters article on September 18, China's
Foreign Ministry Spokesman Zhu Bangzao stated, "The United States has
asked China to provide assistance in the fight against terrorism.
China, by the same token, has reasons to ask the United States to give
its support and understanding in the fight against terrorism and
separatists."


He went on to discuss the importance of combating Taiwan's
independence activists. And more recently--at the Asia-Pacific
Economic Cooperation summit in Shanghai--press reports have indicated
that China's support is lukewarm at best.


It is my hope that the Chinese government will ultimately choose to
offer support in our war effort; however, it is important that as we
seek China's assistance, we not lose sight of the myriad concerns that
remain regarding the communist regime's failure to abide by
internationally recognized norms of behavior--including Beijing's
proliferation of technology used to make ballistic missiles and
weapons of mass destruction, and military buildup aimed at our
long-standing, democratic ally, Taiwan.


The Chinese government's continuing sale of arms and other assistance
to many of the countries on the State Department's list of state
sponsors of terrorism is of particular concern. Beijing has sold
ballistic missile technology to Iran, North Korea, Syria, Libya, and
Pakistan. It has sold nuclear technology to Iran and Pakistan. It has
sold Iran advanced cruise missiles and aided that country's chemical
weapons program. And it has provided technological assistance to Iraq.


We should also keep a close eye on the Chinese military's continued
modernization and buildup -- the immediate focus of which is to build
a military force capable of subduing Taiwan, and capable of defeating
it swiftly enough to prevent American intervention. According to the
Department of Defense's Annual Report on the Military Power of the
People's Republic of China, released in June 2000, "A cross-strait
conflict between China and Taiwan involving the United States has
emerged as the dominant scenario guiding [the Chinese Army's] force
planning, military training, and war preparation."


Amidst China's alarming behavior, on October 17, the Washington Post
reported that the Administration was considering a waiver on the
sanctions placed on China following the Tiananmen Square crackdown
that would have allowed the U.S. sale to China of spare parts for
Blackhawk helicopters. Richard Fisher, editor of the China Brief
newsletter at the Jamestown Foundation, addressed that possibility in
an op-ed published in the Washington Times on October 21. He stated.


..... it is not time to end Tiananmen massacre sanctions on arms sales
to China, such as allowing the sale of spare parts for U.S.-made
Blackhawk helicopters. The Administration is considering this move to
reward China and to allow it to rescue U.S. pilots that may be downed
over Afghanistan. China has plenty of good Russian helicopters to do
the job, and it makes no sense to revive military-technology sales to
China as it still prepares for war against Taiwan.


The Washington Post later reported that the administration is not
planning to waive sanctions that would allow the sale of the
helicopter parts. And it is my hope that the United States--in our
effort to gain China's support for our war on terrorism--will not
consider such a move as long as China fails to live up to its
international commitments.


As Richard Fisher also stated in his op-ed, "...to qualify as a U.S.
ally in the war on terrorism, China must stop lying about its nuclear
and missile technology proliferation and prevent states like Pakistan
and Iran from fielding nuclear missiles. Also, China must end its
economic and military commerce with regimes that assist terrorists,
like the Taliban and Iraq. In addition, China must halt its
preparations for war against Taiwan, a war that will likely involve
U.S. forces."


The past month has seen longtime foes, at least for now, espouse a
common goal in America's efforts against terrorism. Scores of nations
have taken the side of America in a battle to eradicate terrorists of
global reach--but the most populous nation on the globe must truly
back its words with actions. Until it does so, Beijing should not be
rewarded by any relaxation of U.S. restrictions aimed at curbing the
communist regime's unacceptable behavior. . . .


(end excerpts)



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